8930229

Systems and Methods Using a Mobile Device to Collect Data for Insurance Premiums

PublishedJanuary 6, 2015
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
19 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A method for collecting and processing vehicle operation data by a mobile device of a user, the method comprising: during a driving session, collecting, by the mobile device of the user, vehicle operation data associated with operation of a vehicle while the vehicle is operating, the vehicle operation data comprising at least one of global positioning system (GPS) data and mobile device position data by one or more integrated sensors or devices in the mobile device; during the driving session and while collecting the vehicle operation data, monitoring, by the mobile device, an orientation of the mobile device changing relative to the vehicle; wherein said step of during the driving session and while collecting the vehicle operation data, monitoring, by the mobile device, the orientation of the mobile device changing relative to the vehicle comprises: analyzing the at least one of GPS data and mobile device position data collected by the one or more integrated sensors or devices during the driving session; based at least on the analysis of the at least one of GPS data and mobile device position data collected by the one or more integrated sensors or devices, automatically determining, by the mobile device, changes in the orientation of the mobile device relative to the vehicle during the driving session and while the vehicle operation data is being collected; adjusting, by the mobile device, via execution of a compensation algorithm, at least a portion of the collected vehicle operation data based on the determined changes in the orientation of the mobile device relative to the vehicle during the driving session and while the vehicle operation data is being collected; processing, by the mobile device, the automatically adjusted vehicle operation data; and wirelessly transmitting, by the mobile device, the processed vehicle operation data to a remote computer for calculating an insurance premium based on the transmitted data.

Plain English Translation

A method for a mobile device to collect and process driving data for insurance involves the mobile device recording vehicle operation data, such as GPS and position, during a driving session. The mobile device monitors its own orientation relative to the car using the GPS and position data. The system automatically detects changes to the mobile device's orientation and compensates for these changes in the collected data using an algorithm. The mobile device processes the adjusted data and sends it wirelessly to a remote server for insurance premium calculation.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said user's mobile device is a device selected from the group consisting of a smartphone, a cell phone, a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, and a tablet-style computer.

Plain English Translation

The method described where a mobile device collects driving data for insurance, the mobile device can be a smartphone, cell phone, mobile telephone, PDA, laptop computer, or tablet-style computer. The mobile device records vehicle operation data, such as GPS and position, during a driving session. The mobile device monitors its own orientation relative to the car using the GPS and position data. The system automatically detects changes to the mobile device's orientation and compensates for these changes in the collected data using an algorithm. The mobile device processes the adjusted data and sends it wirelessly to a remote server for insurance premium calculation.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of collecting vehicle operation data by the mobile device comprises sensing a characteristic of the mobile device selected from distance traveled, location, time, and g-force dynamics by one or more sensors associated with the mobile device.

Plain English Translation

The method described where a mobile device collects driving data for insurance, the vehicle operation data collected by the mobile device includes characteristics such as distance traveled, location, time, and g-force dynamics, as measured by sensors on the device. The mobile device records vehicle operation data, such as GPS and position, during a driving session. The mobile device monitors its own orientation relative to the car using the GPS and position data. The system automatically detects changes to the mobile device's orientation and compensates for these changes in the collected data using an algorithm. The mobile device processes the adjusted data and sends it wirelessly to a remote server for insurance premium calculation.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of collecting vehicle operation data by the mobile device comprises: detecting, by the mobile device, the orientation of the mobile device relative to the vehicle prior to the collection of the vehicle operation data by the mobile device; determining, by the mobile device, whether the detected orientation of the mobile device relative to the vehicle prior to the collection of the vehicle operation data is suitable for vehicle data collection; and initiating, by the mobile device, the collection of the vehicle operation data by the mobile device only if it is determined that the detected orientation of the mobile device is suitable for vehicle data collection.

Plain English Translation

The method described where a mobile device collects driving data for insurance, the mobile device first detects its orientation relative to the car before starting data collection. The device determines if the orientation is suitable for collecting useful vehicle data. The mobile device only starts collecting data if the orientation is deemed suitable. The mobile device records vehicle operation data, such as GPS and position, during a driving session. The mobile device monitors its own orientation relative to the car using the GPS and position data. The system automatically detects changes to the mobile device's orientation and compensates for these changes in the collected data using an algorithm. The mobile device processes the adjusted data and sends it wirelessly to a remote server for insurance premium calculation.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of collecting vehicle operation data by the mobile device comprises collecting vehicle operation data periodically during the driving session.

Plain English Translation

The method described where a mobile device collects driving data for insurance, the mobile device collects vehicle operation data periodically during the driving session. The mobile device records vehicle operation data, such as GPS and position, during a driving session. The mobile device monitors its own orientation relative to the car using the GPS and position data. The system automatically detects changes to the mobile device's orientation and compensates for these changes in the collected data using an algorithm. The mobile device processes the adjusted data and sends it wirelessly to a remote server for insurance premium calculation.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of wirelessly transmitting the processed vehicle operation data from the mobile device to a remote computer comprises wirelessly transmitting periodically.

Plain English Translation

The method described where a mobile device collects driving data for insurance, the mobile device wirelessly transmits the processed vehicle operation data to the remote computer periodically. The mobile device records vehicle operation data, such as GPS and position, during a driving session. The mobile device monitors its own orientation relative to the car using the GPS and position data. The system automatically detects changes to the mobile device's orientation and compensates for these changes in the collected data using an algorithm. The mobile device processes the adjusted data and sends it wirelessly to a remote server for insurance premium calculation.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising loading the driving analysis application onto the user's mobile device prior to the step of collecting the vehicle operation data by executing a driving analysis application.

Plain English Translation

The method described where a mobile device collects driving data for insurance, requires a driving analysis application to be loaded onto the user's mobile device before the vehicle operation data is collected. The mobile device records vehicle operation data, such as GPS and position, during a driving session. The mobile device monitors its own orientation relative to the car using the GPS and position data. The system automatically detects changes to the mobile device's orientation and compensates for these changes in the collected data using an algorithm. The mobile device processes the adjusted data and sends it wirelessly to a remote server for insurance premium calculation.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of collecting, by the mobile device, vehicle operation data associated with operation of a vehicle while the vehicle is operating comprises beginning to collect the vehicle operation data in response to a triggering event selected from vehicle engine start, threshold vehicle engine RPM, and vehicle mobility.

Plain English Translation

The method described where a mobile device collects driving data for insurance, begins collecting vehicle operation data when a triggering event occurs. This trigger can be the vehicle engine starting, exceeding a certain engine RPM, or the vehicle starting to move. The mobile device records vehicle operation data, such as GPS and position, during a driving session. The mobile device monitors its own orientation relative to the car using the GPS and position data. The system automatically detects changes to the mobile device's orientation and compensates for these changes in the collected data using an algorithm. The mobile device processes the adjusted data and sends it wirelessly to a remote server for insurance premium calculation.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of collecting, by the mobile device, vehicle operation data associated with operation of a vehicle while the vehicle is operating comprises stopping collection of the vehicle operation data in response to a triggering event selected from vehicle engine stop, threshold vehicle engine RPM, and vehicle immobility.

Plain English Translation

The method described where a mobile device collects driving data for insurance, stops collecting vehicle operation data when a triggering event occurs. This trigger can be the vehicle engine stopping, falling below a certain engine RPM, or the vehicle becoming stationary. The mobile device records vehicle operation data, such as GPS and position, during a driving session. The mobile device monitors its own orientation relative to the car using the GPS and position data. The system automatically detects changes to the mobile device's orientation and compensates for these changes in the collected data using an algorithm. The mobile device processes the adjusted data and sends it wirelessly to a remote server for insurance premium calculation.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein: the step of processing, by the mobile device, the automatically adjusted vehicle operation data comprises calculating, by the mobile device, one or more driving behavior metrics; and the step of wirelessly transmitting, by the mobile device, the processed vehicle operation data to the remote computer comprises wirelessly transmitting, by the mobile device, the calculated one or more driving behavior metrics to the remote computer.

Plain English Translation

The method described where a mobile device collects driving data for insurance, processes the adjusted data by calculating driving behavior metrics. The mobile device then wirelessly transmits these calculated metrics to the remote computer, instead of raw data. The mobile device records vehicle operation data, such as GPS and position, during a driving session. The mobile device monitors its own orientation relative to the car using the GPS and position data. The system automatically detects changes to the mobile device's orientation and compensates for these changes in the collected data using an algorithm. The mobile device processes the adjusted data and sends it wirelessly to a remote server for insurance premium calculation.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of processing, by the mobile device, the automatically adjusted vehicle operation data comprises preparing, by the mobile device, the automatically adjusted vehicle operation data for transmission to the remote computer.

Plain English Translation

The method described where a mobile device collects driving data for insurance, the mobile device prepares the automatically adjusted vehicle operation data for transmission to the remote computer. The mobile device records vehicle operation data, such as GPS and position, during a driving session. The mobile device monitors its own orientation relative to the car using the GPS and position data. The system automatically detects changes to the mobile device's orientation and compensates for these changes in the collected data using an algorithm. The mobile device processes the adjusted data and sends it wirelessly to a remote server for insurance premium calculation.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. A handheld mobile device configured to collect and process vehicle operation data, the handheld mobile device comprising: one or more data collection devices configured to collect, during a driving session, vehicle operation data associated with operation of a vehicle while the vehicle is operating during a driving session, the one or more devices including at least one sensor or device configured to collect at least one of global positioning system (GPS) data and mobile device position data during the driving session; a processor; memory; a driving analysis application stored in the memory and executable by the processor to: monitor an orientation of the mobile device changing relative to the vehicle during the driving session and while the vehicle operation data is being collected by the one or more data collection devices; wherein monitoring the orientation of the mobile device changing relative to the vehicle during the driving session and while the vehicle operation data is being collected by the one or more data collection devices comprises: analyzing the at least one of GPS data and mobile device position data collected by the one or more integrated sensors or devices during the driving session; and based at least on the analysis of the at least one of GPS data and mobile device position data collected by the one or more integrated sensors or devices, automatically determining changes in the orientation of the mobile device relative to the vehicle during the driving session and while the vehicle operation data is being collected; adjust, via execution of a compensation algorithm, at least a portion of the collected vehicle operation data based on the determined changes in the orientation of the mobile device relative to the vehicle during the driving session and while the vehicle operation data is being collected; and process the automatically adjusted vehicle operation data; and a wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the processed vehicle operation data to a remote computer for calculating an insurance premium based on the transmitted data.

Plain English Translation

A mobile device, such as a smartphone, is configured to collect driving data for insurance purposes. It includes sensors for collecting vehicle operation data like GPS and position during a driving session. A "driving analysis application" on the device monitors its orientation relative to the car, using GPS and position data. The app automatically detects changes in orientation and adjusts the collected data using a compensation algorithm to correct for these changes. The app processes the adjusted data and then wirelessly transmits it to a remote computer, where an insurance premium is calculated based on the transmitted data.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The handheld mobile device of claim 12 , wherein the handheld mobile device is selected from the group consisting of a smartphone, a cell phone, a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, and a tablet-style computer.

Plain English Translation

The handheld mobile device configured to collect and process vehicle operation data for insurance, is a smartphone, cell phone, mobile telephone, PDA, laptop computer, or tablet-style computer. The mobile device includes sensors for collecting vehicle operation data like GPS and position during a driving session. A "driving analysis application" on the device monitors its orientation relative to the car, using GPS and position data. The app automatically detects changes in orientation and adjusts the collected data using a compensation algorithm to correct for these changes. The app processes the adjusted data and then wirelessly transmits it to a remote computer, where an insurance premium is calculated based on the transmitted data.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The handheld mobile device of claim 12 , wherein the one or more data collection devices configured to collect at least one of distance traveled data and geographic location data.

Plain English Translation

The handheld mobile device configured to collect and process vehicle operation data for insurance, includes one or more data collection devices that collect distance traveled data and geographic location data. The mobile device includes sensors for collecting vehicle operation data like GPS and position during a driving session. A "driving analysis application" on the device monitors its orientation relative to the car, using GPS and position data. The app automatically detects changes in orientation and adjusts the collected data using a compensation algorithm to correct for these changes. The app processes the adjusted data and then wirelessly transmits it to a remote computer, where an insurance premium is calculated based on the transmitted data.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The handheld mobile device of claim 12 , wherein the driving analysis application is further executable by the processor to: detect the orientation of the mobile device relative to the vehicle prior to the collection of the vehicle operation data during the driving session by the mobile device; determine whether the detected orientation of the mobile device relative to the vehicle prior to the collection of the vehicle operation data is suitable for vehicle data collection; and initiate the collection of the vehicle operation data by the mobile device only if it is determined that the detected orientation of the mobile device is suitable for vehicle data collection.

Plain English Translation

The handheld mobile device configured to collect and process vehicle operation data for insurance, includes a driving analysis application that detects the orientation of the mobile device relative to the vehicle before data collection starts. The application determines if the orientation is suitable for vehicle data collection and only initiates data collection if the orientation is deemed appropriate. The mobile device includes sensors for collecting vehicle operation data like GPS and position during a driving session. A "driving analysis application" on the device monitors its orientation relative to the car, using GPS and position data. The app automatically detects changes in orientation and adjusts the collected data using a compensation algorithm to correct for these changes. The app processes the adjusted data and then wirelessly transmits it to a remote computer, where an insurance premium is calculated based on the transmitted data.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The handheld mobile device of claim 12 , wherein the one or more data collection devices are configured to collect vehicle operation data periodically during the driving session.

Plain English Translation

The handheld mobile device configured to collect and process vehicle operation data for insurance, includes data collection devices that collect vehicle operation data periodically during the driving session. The mobile device includes sensors for collecting vehicle operation data like GPS and position during a driving session. A "driving analysis application" on the device monitors its orientation relative to the car, using GPS and position data. The app automatically detects changes in orientation and adjusts the collected data using a compensation algorithm to correct for these changes. The app processes the adjusted data and then wirelessly transmits it to a remote computer, where an insurance premium is calculated based on the transmitted data.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The handheld mobile device of claim 12 , wherein the wireless transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit the processed vehicle operation data to the remote computer periodically during the driving session.

Plain English Translation

The handheld mobile device configured to collect and process vehicle operation data for insurance, includes a wireless transmitter that transmits the processed vehicle operation data to the remote computer periodically during the driving session. The mobile device includes sensors for collecting vehicle operation data like GPS and position during a driving session. A "driving analysis application" on the device monitors its orientation relative to the car, using GPS and position data. The app automatically detects changes in orientation and adjusts the collected data using a compensation algorithm to correct for these changes. The app processes the adjusted data and then wirelessly transmits it to a remote computer, where an insurance premium is calculated based on the transmitted data.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The handheld mobile device of claim 12 , wherein the driving analysis application is executable by the processor to: calculate one or more driving behavior metrics; and cause the wireless transmitter to wirelessly transmit the calculated one or more driving behavior metrics to the remote computer.

Plain English Translation

The handheld mobile device configured to collect and process vehicle operation data for insurance, includes a driving analysis application that calculates driving behavior metrics and causes the wireless transmitter to send these metrics to the remote computer. The mobile device includes sensors for collecting vehicle operation data like GPS and position during a driving session. A "driving analysis application" on the device monitors its orientation relative to the car, using GPS and position data. The app automatically detects changes in orientation and adjusts the collected data using a compensation algorithm to correct for these changes. The app processes the adjusted data and then wirelessly transmits it to a remote computer, where an insurance premium is calculated based on the transmitted data.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The handheld mobile device of claim 12 , wherein the driving analysis application is executable by the processor to prepare the automatically adjusted vehicle operation data for transmission to the remote computer.

Plain English Translation

The handheld mobile device configured to collect and process vehicle operation data for insurance, includes a driving analysis application prepares the automatically adjusted vehicle operation data for transmission to the remote computer. The mobile device includes sensors for collecting vehicle operation data like GPS and position during a driving session. A "driving analysis application" on the device monitors its orientation relative to the car, using GPS and position data. The app automatically detects changes in orientation and adjusts the collected data using a compensation algorithm to correct for these changes. The app processes the adjusted data and then wirelessly transmits it to a remote computer, where an insurance premium is calculated based on the transmitted data.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

January 6, 2015

Inventors

Benjamin Bowne
Jufeng Peng
Nick Baker
Duane Marzinzik
Eric Riley
Nick Christopulos
Brian Fields
Lynn Wilson
Todd Wilkerson
Dave Thurber

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SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING A MOBILE DEVICE TO COLLECT DATA FOR INSURANCE PREMIUMS